Folding mechanism



OGL 27, 1942 c. J. MALHloT FOLDING MECHANISM Oct.- 27, 1942. f c. J. MALHlo'r 2,299,757

' FOLDING MEcHANIsM Filed June 29, 1940 4 Sheets-Sheet 4- Patented 0er. 2v, 1942 f` i- 2,299,757 FoLDrNG MEcmNrsM Clarence J. Malhiot, Oak Pin-lx,` IIL, asslgnor to l F. B. Redinzton Co., Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application June 29, 194e, serial No. 343,115 v i 19 claims. (ci. iis- 2) r c This invention relates to folding `mechanism in Fise is a view similar te Fis. 'l btisiiericg'the Y UNITED STATES vPATENT OFFICE general, and particularly to folding mechanism feldel'in advanced DO SitiOn: for wrapping machines, and its primary object is Fig. 9` is a perspective `ViW'Of a VCircular 01? the provision ci' new and improved folding mech-- Wrapper partly folded about an article.'V andv a anism for folding a wrapper or circular wholly 5` Fia. 1015.3 perspective view sh wing the'wrapor partially about an article while the article is per or circular completely feide about the arcontinuously moving at a predetermined speed tielel alongaconveyor. The particular machine herein disclosed .for` Another object of the invention isthe provision l the Purpose 0f illustrating the invention fcfomfof continuously operating folding mechanism 1 0 Pri-Sasa Suitable base 01" silppOllling frame lillpOn v. comprising relatively fewA and sirnpie ports for which there 1S operatively Supported oprime! folding over 9, circular or wrapper about one or mover, such as an elet-"tric motor (not shown). more surfaces of a continuously moving article. A Conveyor 2. 111 the form 0f spaced bucketsor` A further object of the invention is to provide pockets 3 plvetally connected at l by :means or improved folding mechanism comprising relativel5 Chain links Stresses over sprockets i which arel 1y few and simple parts. each of which. conmounted on each end of the frame, Fig. 4. One tinuously moving in proper synchronism to fom of the sprockets Bis operatively connected to and effectively a circula or wrapper about a contindriven by the prime mover continuouslyand uniuously moving article in a predetermined man# femly at a Dre-Selected Speed, While the other nen l 20 sprocket 6, Fig. 4, is merely an idler sprocket-` Astill further objectis to provide folding meoh- A circuler or wrapper 1y is adapted to be aranlsm which will encase, wrap, or encircle a conranged between thaside Walls 3 0f the Pocket 01' tinuously moving article and maintain the Wrap bucket members 3 and folded around or about e per or circular about the article until-tneerticle articles 8 whlehere later packaged in cartons. is `deposited in a carton, whereby thecirculor orl 25 The circuler er Wrapper y'l ls first applied in pe- Wrapper containing printed instructions or othery Sition in the bottom of each pocket or bucket 3,

matter must be withdrawn with the article from the article am which the'cimlar or Wrapper the package. iste be folded being Ilrstplaced on top of a pre- Stm another object is the Navision of fldmg viously positioned" circular or wrapper. The cirmechanism which is efilcient and D OSiiiVe ill'OP' 30 cular or wrapperw 1f which is to be folded about eration, which is rigid and durable inconstruc-` ther article or in which the article is to be tion, which can be readily and economically mam wrappedrextends a predetermined distance beufactured and assembled, and which is not 4likely yond' an end of the bucket or pocket .3i as md1` toget out of order.` i '3,- tedht 11a' Figs.; amarsiy v'Il'lfiletllimiltu)nmlig l;

Numerous other objects i and advantages will e c u ar or wrapper suc a one o i be apparent throughout the progress .of the follcngitudinal edges Wm be substantially ush or lowing speccatmnb f immediatelyadjacent a side wall 8 of the pocket,

The aeeompanying drawings illustrate a select- Fig 1' N v The circular or wrapper 1 which is moving to- Y ed embodiment of the invention and the views 40 ward a predetermined folding position passes be;

therein are as follows' e l t l,

machine' l .l

l pocket. A longitudinally extending guide bar il, iig. 2 is a detail longitudinal sectional view on Figs 1 ,and 3 rigidly secured to a part of the menne 2-*2 0f Fig- 13 45 frame i inclines in the direction shown in Fi Fig. 351s a detail longitudinal sectional view 3 and ifs Dux-P65515 to engage the under Side 5f 0n theiille 3-3 0f Fig- 13 the Vfree overhanging part 'la-'of the circular or Fig.'4 is a detail transverse sectionaleview on wrapper to hold it up in k predetermined hon..

the line 4-4 of Fig. 1; zontal plane substantially in line with the sup- Fig. 5 is a detail sectional view on the line lj-l 5to porting surfacev of the bucket or pocket 3,

0f Fia. 1:l c e .i Therefore, as the circulan or wrapper 1 moves F18 6 iS a, View Similar iO` Fia: 5 but Showing toward folding position, it is held in the pocket certain parts in advanced position;fr properly and prevented from raising out o1' the Fig. 7 is a detail sectional view on the line 1-1 pocket member I by the guide member I0 and of Fig. 6; g 55 the guide bar Il. The circular or wrapper,

' set downwardly -a 2 therefore, is maintained in proper position to be engaged or acted upon by suitable mechanism to perform the folding or Awrapping operation.

When the wrapper or circular 1 has reached a predetermined position, the free end 1a thereof is engaged by a rotary folding member I2. This folding member I2 folding finger I3 which is integrally connected with a stem part I4, the finger I3 being relatively at right angles to the part I4, Figs. 1, 2, and 7.

The stem or supporting portion I4 of the folding member I2 is rigidly secured to a collar vI5 which is rigidly secured at IE to a shaft I1, Figs. l, 5,' and 6. The shaft I1 is operatively mounted in a supporting bracket I3 which acts as a bearing therefor, being driven by a sprocket I9, Fig. 1, secured to the opposite end of the said shaft I1. The sprocket I9 may be drivenby a sprocket chain 2D from a driving sprocket 2'I mounted on a sprocket shaft 22, Fig. 4. VThe sprocket shaft 22 is synchronized and correlated with the mechanisrn which operates the conveyor 2., whereby the folding member I2 operates in proper timed relationship with the pockets 'or buckets 3 as they arrive at a predetermined position.

The finger If engages the underside of the overhanging part 1a of the wrapper or circular 1 and raises it upwardly out of the normal flat position shown in Fig. 1, to the vertical 'positions shown in dotted and full lines in Fig. 5. The finger I3 operates outside ofthe guide member III which also acts as a breaker rod or bar to cause a relatively sharp or neat fold to be made in the circular or wrapper 1, Fig. 5. AAs the folding member I2 moves toa predetermined position, the part 1a of the circular or wrapper, which is now upstanding as shown in Fig. 5, is engaged by a constantly driven rotary folder 23.

The folder 23,`which has a thickened face 24', is relatively segment-shaped and rotates v'to apredetermined position lto fold the upstanding free end of the circular or wrapper down against the upper surface of the article 9. The folder face 24 of the folder 23 comprises an arcuate member adapted to engage the now upstanding partof the circular or wrapper and fold itagainst the comprises-a relatively straight top of the article 9. The member 231s sovconstructed that the peripheral surface` 25 of the folder face 24 extends between the upstanding sides 8 of the buckets or pockets-3 and below the upper ends thereof to insure the circular or wrapper being located properly, Fig. 7. This peripheral surface 25 holds the free folded-over end of the wrapper orcircuiar `below a predetermined position so that it may ride under a stationary guide bar 26, Figs. 1 and 2.

The stationary guids bar 26 is rigidly secured to a part of the frame and extends longitudinally a predetermined distance from folding position toward discharging position. This guide bar keeps the wrapper or circular in relatively-close contact with the article. The side walls 8 of the buckets or pockets 3 are provided with notches or cut-outs 21, Figs. 1 and 8, to permit the pockets to pass freely under the stationary guideban. The purpose of the stationary guide bar 26 being predetermined distance into the buckets or pockets 3, is to prevent the upper folded portion of the circular or wrapper from dragging in a rearward direction, and preventing it from canting, skewing or becoming otherwise misplaced.

The folder 23; which is in the forni of a segment as clearly` shown in Figs. 4-6, includes a web or end support-28 rigidly secured to a hub .29

. vance movement of the rotary squaring rigidly fastenedto a shaft 30. The shaft 30 is mounted in a suitable bearing 3I, Figs. l and 2, secured to a part of the machine frame, driven by a sprocket 32. The sprocket is operated by a sprocket chain 33 driven from a driving sprocket 34 on the shaft 22, Fig. 1. A transverse slot 35, Figs. 2 and 3, of appreciable width is provided in the folder to permit the passage of the finger I3 of the folding member I2 through the folder during the operation of those two elements.

The folder face 24 of the member 23 is of appreciable length and extends from one end of the segment completely to the other end as shown. This face `24 is relatively wide at 36 where the folding surface 25 first engages the circular or wrapper, Figs. 1, 2, and 7. The part 36 is slightly less in width' than the distance between the legs 8 `of the pockets 3, Fig. '1. One edge of the folder face 24-is made spiral, as indicated at 31, Figs. 2 and 3, so as to maintain the surface 25 in engagement with the circular or wrapper for an appreciable length of time during the continuous movement of the conveyor. The spiral edge 31, therefore, permits relatively long contact of the surface 25 with the circular or wrapper within the side Walls B of the pockets or buckets 3 during vthe continuous travel of the conveyor 2. The face 24 reduces in width from its first engaging edge 36 to a relatively narrow part 38 at its extreme opposite end where it ceases its engagement. The engaging surface 25 therefore stays in contact with the circular or wrapper for a length of time sufficient to permit a pocket 3 to move to a predetermined position where the circular or wrapper is guided under the stationary guide bar 26. l

The circular or wrapper is insured of being maintained in proper position in the pocket or bucket 3 by the use of a squaring which is rotatively mounted adjacent the folding mechanism, Figs. 1 and 4. This squaring mechanism includes `an upstanding blade 4D which is adapted 'to re-locate or shift any misalined circular or wrapper in a bucket or pocket 3. This rotary squaring member is adapted to move to operative position just immediately prior to the time at which the folding pin I3 engages the overhanging portion of the circular or Wrapper to raise it a predetermined distance. The finger I3 holds the circular or wrapper upwardly a predetermined distance during the continued adblade 40 so as to move the circular or wrapper out of the path of the blade immediately after it has squared or alined the circular and immediately before engagement of the finger I3. Therefore, because the finger I3 hasvraised the. free end of the circular or wrapper up a predetermined distance during the advance movement of the squaring blade 40, the squaring blade is prevented from further contacting the circular or wrapper, thereby preventing mutilation, damage or shifting of the circular or wrapper bythe blade 40 after it has performed its intended object ror purpose.

The squaring member 39 comprises the relatively square upstanding blade 40 which is operatively connected at 4 I Fig. l, to a rotary mount'- ed shaft 42.- The shaft a relatively straight surface 43 against which the squaring blade 40 is suitably attached by fas- 44. The shaft 42 is suitably mounted in bearings 45 and 46 operatively secured to the machine frame, Fig. l.

The shaft 42 is driven by means of intermeshing bevel gears 41 and 48 operatively mounted member 3B i 42 is cut away to provide'k.

on the shaft I2 and on another shaft 49. respectively; The shaft carries a sprocket `Il over which is run the previously mentioned sprocket chain 33, Figs.A 1 and 4. `Tightener sprockets Il and 52, Fig. 4, maybe providedfor the sprocket chains il` and respectively.

A circularor wrapper 1 maycompletely encircle the article insteadlof merely foldingthe wrapper or -circularin the `form of a U. Both ends of the wrapper or circular may be folded about the article by employing-duplicate meeh-l anism 50, Fig. 'I'his mechanism 60 is a `duplication off the previously described' folding` mechanism and includes an additional guide bar il,

guide member II, foldingrmember i2,folcle"r-23,l and squaring member 39. Themechanism Il,l

p comprising'a supportfor supporting and Vadvancing `an article and Wrapper` pasta folding position,` the wrapper extending a predetermined disl wrapper to a predetermined'position, and a conwhich comprises the additionof the elements just described, may be removed from thefufirst described elements and located at the fposition `shown in dotted lines in Fig. 4. The previously described mechanism and the duplicating. mechanism 60 may foldover both *thegends 'of i. the circular or wrapper. "Whenboth ends. of `the cir` cular or wrapper 'lfvare tofbe folded` over, the

circular or wrapperispositioned. in aj bucket or pocket l `so that a part 'la will extend a predetermined distance from each end of the bucket or pocket. One extending end' lawill be folded over by the mechanism Just described, while the other end 'la will be folded over bytheduplicate` mechanism. Therefore, it canbegreadllyunderstood from an examinatlonsof the drawing and the specification, that both ends of the circular may be folded over against the article by a mere` duplication of the previouslyA described mecha- Moreover, the invention contemplates the described mechanism, or a duplication thereof, for completely wrapping a wrapper about the article. In Figs. 9.and 10 there is shown a wrapper l having one end section la extending Sa predetermined distance out of the pocket, `with theguide bar I0 in position. The other free end 'lb ex-y tends 'a predetermined distance beyond the arti-- cle with a second` guide bar Nb in engagement therewith. The previously described mechanism will fold the free end 1a over in theposition` shown in Fig. 10, while the duplicate mechanism will fold the free end ibabout the guide bar Illb. The wrapper fl may be previously folded longitudinally about the article before it arrives at the folding position.

The invention therefore contemplates folding mechanism which is adapted to fold one or more x 'ends of a circular or wrapper, ythe ends of which extend freely beyond the edges of the pockets or buckets. The invention also provides mechanism tinuously rotating `folder coordinated with the e movement of said nnger and engageable with the wrapper when in said predetermined raised position to fold the'wrapper toward the article.

2. Folding mechanism for folding a wrapper such asa 'circular or the like about an article and comprising a continuously moving support for supporting and advancing an `article and' wrapperpast a folding position, the wrapper extending a predetermined distance beyond a predeterminedsupporting part of the support, a continuously rotatingy linger coordinated to the movement of `said support providing for-raising the extending portionof the wrapperto a prev determinedposition, a continuously rotating fold'- `er coordinated vwith the movement of `said support and said finger and engageable with the wrapper when in saldpredetermined raised position to fold the wrapper toward the article, and il a member above the support to hold the wrapper in said last named position.l

3; Folding mechanism for folding a wrapper suclras a circular `or the like about anarticle and comprising a support for supporting and advancing an article, and Wrapper, the wrapper ex- 'l tending a predeterminediy distance beyond a predetermined supporting part of the support, means spaced from said partof said support to support the overhanging free end of said wrapper, a iinf ger extending substantlallyli parallel with said last d named supporting means and engageable under for completing the folding, whether it be one i ing the folding operation is relatively simple but positive and effective. 'I'he entire folding mechanism is yeconomical to manufacture and apply to a machine and is adapted to perform emciently the function for which it is intended. Changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts without de-g parting from the spirit of the invention or sacrificing any of its advantages, and the right is hereby reserved to make all such changes as fairly fall within the scope of the following claims.

The invention is hereby claimedcs follows: l. Folding mechanism for yfpiding a Wrapper' such as a circular or the like about an article and the overhanging portion of said wrapper to lift the free endof said wrapper to a predetermined raised position,` means torotate said finger, and` a folder engageablek with the free end of said `wrapper when in lifted position to fold the said free end toward the `upper surface of the article. `4. VFolding mechanism for folding a wrapper such as a circular or the like about an article and comprising a support for supporting and advancing an article and wrapper, the wrapper extend ing a predetermined distance beyond a predeter. mined supporting part of thesupport, mear'isl spaced from said part of said support to support the overhanging free end of vsaid wrapper, a finger rotatable about an axis substantially parallel with said lastnamed supporting'means for engaging under the overhanglng portion of said wrapper to lift the free end of said wrapper to a predetermined raised position, means to rotate said finger, a rotatable folder engageable with the free end of said wrapper when in lifted position to fold thesaid free' end toward the upper surface of the article, means'to"movelthersupport` continuously, and means to rotate the finger and folder continuously and synchronously in timed relationship with the movement of the support.

5. Folding mechanism for folding a wrapper such as a circular or the like about an article and comprising a support for supporting an article andwrapper, the wrapper extending a predeter mined distance beyond a predetermined supporting part of the support, means spaced `from said part of said support to support the overhanging free end of said wrapper, a finger to lift the free end of said wrapper to a predetermined raised position, a `rotatable shaft to which the finger is mounted, a folder member adjacent the iingena shaft mounted in a plane parallel to the first shaft and to which the folder member is fastened for rotation therewith, and means to rotate both said shafts simultaneously, said folder member having a slot therein through which said finger passes during rotation.

6. Folding mechanism comprising a continuously moving conveyor carrying an article and a wrapper to be folded about the article, a continuously revolving member arranged in predetermined fixed position along the path of said conveyor to fold the wrapper to a predetermined position as the article is advanced past said member, and continuously rotatable means arranged in xed position adjacent said member and engageable with the predeterminedr folded part of the wrapper to fold the wrapper against the article.

'7. Folding mechanism comprising a continuously moving conveyor carrying an article and a wrapper to be folded about the article, a continuously revolving member to fold the wrapper to a predetermined position, continuously rotatable means engageable with the predetermined folded part of the wrapper to fold the wrapper against the article, and means engageable with the wrapper to hold the wrapper against the article during continued movement of the conveyor.

8. Folding mechanism comprising a continuously moving conveyor carrying an article and a wrapper to be folded about the article, a continuously revolving member arranged in predetermined fixed position along the path of said conveyor to fold the wrapper to a predetermined position as the article is advanced past said member, a second constantly revolving member arranged in fixed position adjacent said first member and engageable with the wrapper to fold the wrapper from said. predetermined position to a position against the article, and means for coordinatingl the rotation of said rst and second revolvingmmembers with said continuous movement of' Saidv conveyor. r

9. Mechanism for folding a wrapper or the like about article Vcomprising a constantly i moving, conveyor adapted'to' carryfia Wrapper, a part of; whichaoverhangsan edge'of-the conveyor, a finger moving in" an Aorbit engageable with the overhangin'g'end'of thewrapper tovfold the free end to anpredeterrnined position, a member to square out-of-positioned wrappers into proper position` p`ri'o`r ,to engagement ofthe finger with the wrapper, .a rotary folder adjacent the nger to fold the wrapper after the free end of the wrapper has been moved to Said predetermined position, and a stationary guide bar in juxtabar in juxtaposition with respect to the conveyor to hold the folded wrapper in folded position on the conveyor.

11. Folding mechanism comprising a substantially cylindrical rotary member, a projection on the outer cylindrical surface of said member having at least one of its sides spiralling, and a longitudinally extending slot in said rotary member and projection for receiving a cooperating folding member.

12. Folding mechanism comprising a rotary shaft, a finger substantially parallel to the shaft and connected to said shaft, a second rotary shaft adjacent the first shaft and located in a plane parallel thereto, a slotted drum on the second shaft, and means for moving the finger through the slot in the said drum during each revolution of the rotary member and drum.

13. Folding mechanism comprising a rotary shaft, a finger substantially parallel to the shaft and connected to said shaft, a second rotary shaft adjacent the first shaft and located in a plane' parallel thereto, a slotted drum on the second shaft, means for moving the finger through the slot in the saiddrum during each revolution of the rotary member and drum, and a projection on said drum having one side straight and one side tapering.

14, Mechanism of the class described comprising a plurality of interconnecting moving bupkets forming a continuous moving conveyor, a rotary folder adjacent the conveyor, and a periphposition with respect to the conveyor to hold the folded wrapper in folded position on the conveyor.

10. Mechanism for folding Aa wrapper or the like about an article comprising a constantly moving conveyor adapted toy carry a wrapper, a part of which overhangs an edge of the conveyor, a bar under the free end of the wrapper to support the same, a breaker bar ladjacent the conveyor and overlying the wrapper, a finger moving in an orbit engageable with the overhanging end of the wrapper to fold the free end to a predetermined position about the breaker bar, a

member to square out-of-positioned wrappers into proper position prior to engagement of the finger with the wrapper, a rotary folder adjacent the finger to fold the wrapper 'after the free end of the wrapper has been moved to said predetermined position, and a stationary guide eral projection on the folder and extending between the sides of each bucket when the buckets arrive at a predetermined position.

15. Folding mechanism for folding a wrapper about an article comprising a cylindrical member having a peripheral projection, and a conveyor having sides and movable under the cylindrical member, said projection adapted to extend between the sides a predetermined distance during movement of the conveyor.

16. Mechanism of the type described comprising a movable conveyor having a plurality of transversely upstandlng spaced sides, a, rotary folding member arranged above the conveyor, and a peripheral projection on the said member forming a helical shoulder extending between said sides whereby the projection will remain between the said sides for an appreciable length of time during movement of the conveyor.

17. Folding mechanism comprising a plurality of open-end buckets, each having upstanding sides, links between said buckets and pivotally connected thereto to form an endless'conveyor, means to move the conveyor constantly and at a predetermined speed, said buckets adapted to support a wrapper with a part of the wrapper extending beyond an end of the bucket, a guide to support the extended end of the wrapper, a break- `er bar adjacent a side of the conveyor,- means to shift a misplaced wrapper to a predetermined position in each bucket, a folding member movable in an orbit to fold the wrapper upwardly ed wrapper passes and engages during movement of the conveyor.

18. The method of folding wrappers or circulars about continuously moving articles which consists in placing the Wrappers or circulars in spaced relationship on a continuously moving supporting surface with a substantial part thereof overhaging an edge of the surface a predetermined distance, laying articles to be wrapped on top of the wrapper or circular, thereafter adjusting the position of said wrappers or circulars to eiect proper folding, then raising the overhanging part to a substantially vertical plane, and nally folding the said vertically extending part downwardly againstthe body of the article. 15

'19. Folding mechanism comprising a guide member for supporting the under side of an overhanging end of a Wrapper or the like, a breaker bar extending substantially parallel with said guide member in spaced relation thereto and adapted to engage the upper side of said Wrapper, a rotary shaft extending substantially parallel with said guide member and said breaker bar, and a linger substantially parallel to the shaft and connected to said shaft for engagingunder said overhanging portion of the wrapper between said guide member and said breaker bar y to fold the wrapper about the breaker bar.

CLARENCE J. MALHIOT. 

